| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 2141.1 | North Shore to Woods Hole | CFSCTC::CLAFLIN | | Mon Jun 27 1994 14:46 | 18 |
| I am planning on leaving my base of oeprations in Manchester Harbor and the
Manchester Harbor Boat Club, and heading for Woods Hole. The current departure
date is scheduled for Saturday, July 9. Arrival in Woods Hole would be July 10.
Saturday night, I am hoping to stay in Plymouth. With luck some things will
still be open for sight seeing.
There is an outside possibility (meaning that Dick Ashenden doesn't want to go
sailing this weekend), on going down for the Fourth.
I still need to work on transportation. Having cousins on the Cape should help.
If others want to go, we may be able to work out something.
Reply through the notes file is probably best.
Doug Claflin
508 635-0460 hm
508 264 7042 wk
244 7042 dtn
|
| 2141.2 | | CFSCTC::CLAFLIN | | Fri Jul 08 1994 14:43 | 12 |
| Currently still planning on heading for the Cape tomorrow morning.
Departing from Manchester Harbour, probably pretty early. This will be
cancelled tonight if my brother in law with the dead car in Ohio, is
not here tonight.
We will probably spend the nigh on Holiday II in Manchester Harbor with
the idea of getting an early start.
Doug Claflin
dtn 244-7042
wk 508 264 7042
hm 508 635 0460
|
| 2141.3 | Holiday II bound for Cuttyhunk | CFSCTC::CLAFLIN | | Thu Jul 21 1994 14:29 | 16 |
| Holiday II is going for Cuttyhunk this weekend. Hopefully Saturday night will
see us in Cuttyhunk pond. Watch for our peapod dingy, Workaday.
There will be Amy, myself and our 2.8 year old Jessica. Visitors are welcome.
Hopefully Jessica will get to a see some deer. I suspect that ice cream at the
dock will be a required stop.
There are assorted fruit juices, and sodas, limited beer (Heiniken I think), and
a couple of bottles of white wine on board.
Hopefully we will depart from Woods Hole Staurday morning. Return to Woods Hole
Sunday afternoon.
Doug Claflin
dtn 244 7042
hm 508 635-0460
|
| 2141.4 | Cuttyhunk no, Vinyard Haven yes. | CFSCTC::CLAFLIN | | Mon Jul 25 1994 15:15 | 52 |
| Just in case you were at Cuttyhunk this past Saturday, Holiday II did not make
it. We have lots of excuses, and no apologies for changing our plans.
Friday night a friend called from Scotland. He is in the States this week on
business. His arrival was Saturday night. So cancell Cuttyhunk, meet up with
Jim Saturday evening. We join up at my cousin's house in Cape Cod, and off to
Holiday II for sleep. By 10 pm the four of us are bedded down for the evening.
Jessica is in the forward berth with her mother ( I think I am jealous). Jim
and I are in the main salon. A lazy wake up on Sunday morning. The weather
looks unsettled, so a quick hop over to the eatery by the ferry terminal.
Wood's Hole is a happinen place.
Here come the rain, pause, more rain, serious rain, back to unsettled weather.
About noon we decided to go out and sail. The wind is piping up pretty stiff.
NOAA claims we should be seeing 15-20 kts. Clouds are continuing to lift.
The bridge opens at Eel Pond an we are out into Great Harbor. We break out the
roller reefing jib, and hang a louie into the Sound. As is typical, sea are
confused by the cross currents and a lumpy 1-2 feet. Holiday II is hard on the
wind with just her jib. She plows through the slop with enough comfort that
even my glass stomach is up to it. The wind gets going (the predicated
15-20kts?). Holiday II drives on at a steady 4-5kts. An occasional gusts leans
her over to perhaps 25 degrees. Jessica would complain about a slippery floor
at this point, but she has opted for her afternoon nap instead, (once asleep,
always wedge the rug rat in so they can not fall off the bunk).
Vinyard Haven was essentially on tack to East Chop light and then two towards
the harbor. Close enough, on goes the engine as we prepare to anchor outside
the breakwall.
10' of water gave a quiet ride on about 60' of line. A close by mooring ball
provided excellent reference to no anchor drag.
After a quick walk through Vinyard Haven it was back to the boat. Some of us
have to be at work on Monday.
Up goes the main, followed by the jib. We wing on wing out of the harbor at a
leasurly 3 kts. With the dying evening wind 3-4kts was about all we could make
on the now beam-broad reach back to the Hole.
Packed in the sails off of Nobska Point. The tide was 1 knot against us and
getting worse. On sail power alone I was not going to make it in. The Atomi IV
fired up and we were through the 7:30 bridge raising. A half an hour later we
left Holiday II for the next week.
Next week will probably see a repeat trip but with differnt crew, my aunt and
cousin from D.C. and Amy's mom from Ohio. Other possibilities are Tarpaulin
Cove, Weepecket Rks, and Hadley's Harbor. This would be a Sunday day trip for
me. If there is anyone out there, wing out and maybe we will meet you.
Doug Claflin
|
| 2141.5 | DECUS in New Zealand | PIHIA::ARLINGTON | | Wed Aug 03 1994 21:45 | 9 |
|
Are there any readers of this conference attending DECUS in NZ as it Auckland
the city of sailss.
this is where i live and I'm sure i could arrange a sail.
cheers
revel
|
| 2141.6 | Cuttyhunk once more | CFSCTC::CLAFLIN | | Thu Aug 04 1994 11:50 | 28 |
| Well here we go again. Schedule got goofed up two weeks ago. So we are going
to try for Cuttyhunk again this weekend.
A quick look at eldridge indicates the following is likely.
Leave Woods Hole Saturday morning. My gues is probably around 9-10 am. We will
buck the tide through the hole (1.5 knots) and head into Buzzards Bay. The tide
in Buzzards Bay will be favorable or slack at least until 2 pm. So no
problems. I would like to be anchored by 4 pm.
This gives us time to do important three year old things, like make sand
castles, get wet up to our knees, chase butterflies etc. I think the sandwich
shop is open until 5 pm. That may be our dinner alternative.
Sunset is at the top of the hill. My mother in law should like that. A stroll
down to the docks for ice cream and then off to bed.
Sunday is probably church followed by a sleigh ride back to Eel Pond. Pack up
and head home with everyone else.
Anyway, that is how my dream works right now. Dreams and reality seldom mix.
Still if you see Holiday II or her pea pod tender, Workaday, look for my
strawberry blonde wife, Amy, with Jessica, the world's most beautiful blonde
three year old. Oh yea, I'll be around too.
Doug Claflin
dtn 244-7042
hm 508 635-0460
|
| 2141.7 | Reality strikes for this weekend | CFSCTC::CLAFLIN | | Fri Aug 05 1994 14:41 | 21 |
| First off, Holiday's departure is now more like early to mid afternoon. Second,
Amy and Jessica have been replaced with my cousin, his son, and nephew. The
boys are about 12. Third, Holiday was going to be boarded tonight, now its
tomorrow.
Eldridge indicates about 1.4 knots foul current at the mouth of Great Harbor.
This is worth bucking in exchange for the favorable current down Vinyard Sound.
Depending on just when we are free of the morning day sail (other family
members) this also gives us a greater choice of places to anchor for the night.
Tarpaulin Cove is a given, Memensha and Cuttyhunk are also on the list. There
is an outside chance that we would shot the 4.1 knot current of the Hole and
spend the night at the Weepeckets.
I haven't heard from anyone, so this probably is not a big deal. Just thought I
would let you know.
Incidently, I think the Crocker Race is next weekend on the north shore.
Doug Claflin
dtn 244-7042
hm 635-0460
|
| 2141.8 | Great Misery, and Tarpaulin Cove | CFSCTC::CLAFLIN | | Mon Aug 08 1994 13:08 | 61 |
| Just a reminder, Great Misery get together is currently scheduled for Aug 14.
Details are in note 2048.
Sorry, but I will not be able to make it.
This past weekend saw a short cruise but it was fun.
Saturday evening, Eric, Leif, Kai, and I left Eel Pond in Woods Hole aboard
Holiday II. Once we entered Great Harbour, off went the engine and up went the
main. We were sailing. Unfurl the jib and we had more than enough horse power
to fight the current.
Our desination was Tarpaulin Cove. This meant about 6 miles of foul current
in Vinyard Sound. However, the breeze was still something like 15 knts and from
the north east. Usually this means bad weather on its way, but not this past
weekend. Instead, it gave us a wing on wing sleigh ride against a 2-3 foot
chop. The fore deck picked up some spray, but the cockpit was dry and wonderful.
Tarpaulin Cove is wide open and easy to go into. The topsil schooner, Corinth
Kramer was anchored at the entrance. We could clearly see the lights at
Tarpaulin Cove, Gay Head, West Chop, and Nobska all at the same time. We cut
the corner on a broad reach and
sailed in at about 2 knots. The cove was loaded with boats, 20 +. We anchored
about half way down. Plenty of swinging room, good holding ground, just a
gentle breeze. Headed up into the wind and dropped the hook. Holiday II was
snugged down just as twilight called it quits.
It is hard to say what was better that evening, the brilliant display of stars
and the Milky Way, the active bio-luminesence in the water, or the soft light of
the kerosene lamps as we munched down on Dinty Moore stew. The one thing that
was definately true was that the lear evening air was cold and the lamps and
stove added just the right amount of heat to the cabin. Even though Holiday II
is a little rolly, no one had trouble sleeping.
As is often true when going to bed early, the rising sun woke us up. Our comic
releif happened first thing. Leif had secured the oars on the dingy with a
lock. Sunday morning, Eric freed the painter and jumped onto the dingy for a
row. The only problem was, Leif had the keys to the oars. We sort of offered
words of enchouragement as he drifted away.
Once we recovered out "oarsman" and dingy, time for the beach. Word of warning
here, ticks are bad in the grass. Stay on the beach.
The anchor came up nice and clean. We sheeted down the main and sailed out
around 8:30. The jib and the main were full out to catch the steady head wind.
We were hard on the wind the entire way back to Woods Hole. As the morning
progressed the wind became stronger. It probably topped out in the low 20's.
In all honesty, we had more sail out than needed. Still it was fun. Holiday II
was a trooper even when her lee rail went under.
Eric was amazed at the number of sail boats with a steadying sail out and
motoring. I was tempted to file for divorce and join Eric on a braod reach to
Nantucket. Alas, we headed into Woods Hole instead.
Holiday II is laying in Eel Pond waiting for this coming weekend, when my mother
and sister in laws will join us on an overnight trip.
Meanwhile, I need to fix the mizzen. It was sorely missed.
Doug
dtn 244-7042
|
| 2141.9 | Plans for Aug 13 cruise | CFSCTC::CLAFLIN | | Thu Aug 11 1994 16:54 | 16 |
| The way things currently stand, I will be spending Friday night on Holiday II
with my family plus some in laws.
Saturday will see us headed out from Woods Hole to probably Edgartown, though
Cuttyhunk (might make it yet this year) is also a possibility.
Departure time is probably mid to late morning. I would like to have the anchor
down by 5 pm. Earlier is better. That leaves lots of time for wandering about.
I am going to try to patch my mizzen tonight, so I can use it this weekend.
Give a yell if you see our B30 ketch. She flies the Manchester Harbor Boat Club
burgee.
Doug
508 635-0460 hm
|
| 2141.10 | Penobscot Bay bound for next 3 weeks | UNIFIX::FRENCH | Bill French 381-1859 | Fri Aug 12 1994 13:40 | 13 |
| I'm off to Penobscot Bay for the next 3 weeks with Pegasus Too, my
Com-Pac 19-II. If anyone sees sail # 311 give a holler. I'll probably
be monitoring ch 9 + 16 at 1800-1815 each evening.
Monday, I plan to launch at Rockland, and Mon-Wed my daughter and I
will live aboard. We'll probebly head for Fox I thoroughfare, Merchant
Row and mayne Eggemogin Reach. Then my wife will arrive and we will probably day
sail out of Lobster Buoy Campground in S. Thomaston (behind Eben and
Tommy's Island on the west side of Mussel Ridge Channel - unless I
can get her to consent to some overnight trips.
Bill
|
| 2141.11 | Discretion is the easier part of valor | CFSCTC::CLAFLIN | | Mon Aug 15 1994 11:27 | 37 |
| I would like to claim superior judgement to Brian McBride this past weekend, but
that would be a lie.
Late Friday the crew boarded Holiday II for a night's sleep. Jessica was too
excited to go to sleep. She decided that this is the August in which she turns
three (actually this coming Friday). Her Aunt and Grandmother were on her boat.
She had to show and play with all of her special boat toys.
We got off to the anticipated lazy start on Saturday. NOAA was forcasting 25
knt winds with 6 foot seas. Small craft warnings were out. Wind was probably
about right. The islands would shelter us from some of the seas. We decided
that Cuttyhunk would be quieter than Edgartown. In addition, we could bail out
at Tarpaulin Cove or Weepecket. Eldridge indcated that bucking the tide in the
Hole wand sailing in Buzzard's Bay was probably called for.
It took a LONG time to buck the tide through the Hole. We finally poked out in
the Bay. I motored out a way to give us some sea room. Headed her up into the
wind. We started to stamp in about three foot seas. My city type sister in law
was not enjoying the trip. I figured I could run the sails out (I had tucked
reefs in before heading out). However, if something went wrong, it would be
tense. Also NOAA was predicting 30 knt winds for Sunday.
Sooooo... hard over goes the helm. Amy still wanted to at least put out the
jib. I vetoed that and motored into Hadley's Harbour for a quick sight see.
Both sister in law and mother in law liked that.
Back into Eel Pond. Jessica fell asleep. Amy took her mother and sister ashore
for touristing. I stayed with a sleeping daughter. While Jessica was asleep, I
gave my had at patching the mizzen. We will see how it works this coming
weekend. I only stabbed myself once with the sailors palm and needle. Lordy do
those triangular needles put a big painful hole in your thumb!
We finished of the evening with a nice dinner in Falmouth center at the
QuarterDeck.
Wish I were sick today and tomorrow. Weather is just about perfect for
sailing.
|
| 2141.12 | Cuttyhunk/Edgartown | CONSLT::MCBRIDE | Flick of my BIC Scarecrow? | Mon Aug 15 1994 15:56 | 69 |
| Hey! I resemble that remark! :-). What a wild ride across Vineyared
Sound yesterday! We rented a boat out of Cape Water Sports for the
weekend. It was a Catalina 27 with wheel and diesel and fairly well
equipped.
We left Falmouth late Friday afternoon and headed for Cuttyhunk. The
tides were against us going to Woods Hole and after sailing in place
for far too long we decided it was better to motor sail. Going through
WH was no problem as the tide was near slack. We made the run down the
islands tacking inside the Weepeckets. Our nice breeze turned shifty
and started to die so we motored from just before Quick's to Cuttyhunk
where we picked up a mooring.
There weren't many boats outside that evening and there were still
quite a few moorings available inside as well which seemed odd. Not
having been there in a few years I was looking forward to the folks in
the Whalers selling food and other stuff but they were not around.
Even the kids who took our money for the mooring seemed rather
unfriendly. Not the same reception I remembered. Oh well, I still
enjoy Cuttyhunk for peace and quiet.
Saturday we left after the fog lifted a little and it turned out to be
a rather nice morning. A little hazy but a decent breeze got us to and
through Quick's in no time. We headed over the the Vineyard and inside
of the Middle Ground on a nice broad reach. Our dinghy which equated
to a toy blow up raft decided it no longer wanted to be part of the
crew and parted ways. After a few moments of messing around getting
turned around we went back to fetch it where it stayed on deck for the
rest of the afternoon.
Once situated we headed across the entrance to Vineyard Haven and over
to Edgartown. It started getting a bit breezy, low 20's or so, on the
way in. We ended up rafting with someone as all of the transient
moorings were taken. We cleaned up and took "showers" in the cockpit
before heading into town for the evening. While eating dinner, a pretty
big thunderstorm blew through but it wasn't anywhere near as violent as
the ones reported on the mainland. It cleared up quite nicely later on
and the stars were quite clear.
Yesterday was a different story altogether. We had bright skies in the
morning but the breeze was up early. It was actually quite breezy all
night long from the SW. NOAA was reporting 20-27 at Buzzard's Bay
with gusts to 30. We later found that it was 25-30 with occasionally
higher gusts. It was going to be a sloppy ride back.
We tied up at the public dock for a few minutes while one crew went
ashore to get us coffee which was a big help. We then motored to the
outer harbor and gawked at Mick Jagger's boat with the two helicopters
on the back. Did not see Princess Di though.
We motor sailed out with a reefed main and got wet almost immediately.
We rounded the bell outside of Edgartown and headed towards Vineyard
Haven and got thoroughly soaked on the way. The day was beautiful but
quite breezy. We tried unrolling a bit of jib as well but this was
too much and ended up shredding the lower part of the leech getting it
back in :-(.
Heading across the sound was just plain messy. The better part of
valor would have been making the decision to stay on the Vineyard.
About half way across I made everyone put on their life jackets when we
started getting tossed about quite a bit. They were handy at all times
but I felt better having everyone wear theirs just in case. We made it
back to Falmouth wet and tired but safely. No one got sick on the ride
across which was great but at least one person was a little nervous at
how we were getting thrown around. Hot showers made things much better.
Not long after we tidied up, the black clouds rolled in and I was quite
happy we had made it back before they arrived.
Brian
|
| 2141.13 | Tiger by the tail | CFSCTC::CLAFLIN | | Tue Aug 23 1994 15:07 | 90 |
| This weekend was something of a more civilized version of McBride's
ride.
We dropped my mother-in-law off at the aripirt and decided to spend the
night on the boat. This meant sailing out of Wood's Hole to some
place. A quick stop at my cousin's home produced Mary without any
children or husband to worry about for at least 24 hours.
The crew increased from three to four. Crew efficancy dropped from
about 1.5 (0.5 used for Jessica) to closer to 1. Mary is not used to
the routines and handling of the boat.
For the first time ever, the bridge tender at Eel Pond was a jerk. We
called for the bridge at about 6:31 PM. He refused to open until 7 PM.
We went through at 7 PM. A few minutes later we were sailing. The sun
was a large ruddy ball dropping over the islands. Unfortunately, the
wind pretty much died with sunset. Most of our trip to Vinyard Haven
was under power ;<' A pox on iron lungs.
Disaster struck coming into Vinyard Haven. Mary took the hand off of
watching Jessica, while I took the helm for anchoring. Amy was on the
fore deck with the anchor. My littleone slipped and did a face plant
on the cockpit deck grating. A scared, hurt three yea old lets loose
with screams and a very bloody nose. Cancel achoring. Amy comes back
to huddle Jessica down below.
I am now left to anchor on my own. The breeze is filling in, but I
have planety of space. On go the spreader lights. I put 80 feet of
line on deck. The plow is ready.
I lower the plow down and she sets in the sandy bottom with no
problems. The anchor light goes on. Jessica is asleep. Her face
looks terrible, but OK. She is breathing the gentle cycle of slumber.
This father wishes he could take the pain and misery from her, but such
is not life.
Morning comes. Jessica is bright and cheerful. Her nose shows
evidence of the huge bilious green bruise she now sports across the
bridge of her nose. She tells me that Mr. Sun is up. Why aren't you?
It turns out that we acnhored half way out to Falmouth. I get to row
into the break wall.
The balance of the morning we putter about Vinyard Haven, and take the
bus over ot Aoks Bluff. The merry-go-round was a major hit. Shops
were fun. Strolling through the ginger bread houses was a real treat.
We got back on the boat. Wind had picked up a bunch. Rowing down wind
was a ride on a semi guided missile. Steering was simplified by most
boats having longs since taken off. Holiday II looked small and
insiginificant against the big boys still there.
We ate lunch. NOAA was predicting 30-35 knts with 5+ seas. My glass
stomach allowed for the anticipation of enjoying the lunch a second
time. I made a point of drinking enough fluid to stay functional on
the return trip. I had planned on a jib and jigger return. The mizzen
solved that option with a snap and a rip. No more mizzen. Unbend it
and get it out of the way in the lazerette. Motor into the wind. A
stubborn anchor finally breaks free, and up on deck.
I decide to fly the jib at about a double reef (about 40% of the jib
was unfurled). We do 4 knots down wind. Oh boy, wait until we clear
West Chop. Fortunately, Jessica was racked out on the cabin sole, (no
where for her to fall to).
We turn to port for the broad reach back to Wood's Hole. At times we
topped 5 knts with just a hankerchief of a jib! 3.5 knts was the norm.
Holiday II takes care of her own. The ride proved exciting, safe, dry
(well relatively), and delightful. White caps and some breaking waves
everywhere. I think we got the forecasted 5+ foot seas. At a modest
heel of perhpas 15 degree we stamped and plowed our way along. The
fore deck picked up some green water as we dropped int the troughs. We
watched a 30 foot Pearson jump out of waves. The front half of the
boat well clear of the water. With the same course and speed, we had
to assume we looked similar. Sort of a scary thought.
Needless to say the trip was uneventful. Holiday II is waiting for us,
and the replacment mizzen.
Amy and I learned alot about us and Holiday II. 1.) Jessica requires
more attention than we can count on from Mary. 2.) Eating and drinking
well (no booze), reduces the chance of my stomach doing gymnastics. 3.)
This was jib and jigger weather. Another possibility would have been
the reefed main alone, (boat would be better balanced). 4.) Though we
did not need them, our harness's and jacklines were ready for any trip
out of the cockpit. 5.) This type of sailing is well within Holiday
II's capability, and could really get under your skin.
Doug Claflin
NEW dtn 227-3015
|
| 2141.14 | | UNIFIX::BERENS | Alan Berens | Thu Aug 25 1994 13:33 | 127 |
| This summer I have been doing some singlehanded sailing. I can't decide
if I like it or not. Almost every time I singlehand I find it variously
challenging, interesting, lonely, and anxiety-inducing.
At the beginning of August I singlehanded from Marblehead to Rockland,
Maine. Every once in a while the winds play nice. I left Marblehead
about 0720 on Monday, August 1st, in a flat calm and motored to the
Cape Ann whistle bouy (the batteries needed charging, anyway). Once
there, I tried sailing. Though there were hardly any ripples on the
water, there was enough wind high up to sail at 3 to 4 knots. Since I
wanted to go 50 miles offshore, I headed slightly north of east. The
wind was far enough aft (starboard tack) that I rigged the spinnaker
pole and set the Yankee to windward. About a half hour later the wind
went more southerly, down came the pole, and I beam/broad reached along
on starboard tack at 4 to 4.5 or so knots. Still calm seas.
I reached my 50_miles_offshore waypoint before midnight and turned
north toward Monhegan Island, thinking "oh damn, now I'll be running
downwind, slowly." But before I could convince myself that I wanted to
reset the spinnaker pole, the wind veered W to SW, and I was beam/broad
reaching again, this time on port tack, now at 5 to 6+ knots in a 10
occasionally 15 knot wind and not very bumpy at all seas. Nifty.
Long about 0730 Tuesday morning I could hear the Manana Is fog horn and
the Manana whistle bouy, but couldn't see either in the fog. The GPS
took me right to the bouy and I headed toward the Muscle Ridge channel
and Rockland. Not long after passing the Manana whistle bouy the wind
died, and I motored the rest of the way to Rockland, arriving about
1330. And then I did lots and lots of sleeping.
The only real excitement of the trip was misjudging the speed and
course of a large dragger. He missed me, but had to make a course
change to do it. Shame on me. Fatigue isn't good. When the price of
stabilized binoculars become reasonable, I'm getting 'em. Trying to
figure out what navigation lights you're seeing on a dragger among all
the very bright deck working lights when your boat is bouncing around
is not easy. By now, I should know that if I can see another boat/ship,
it is too close. Trouble is, the draggers change course frequently.
Whenever I try to get out of their way, they follow me.
Last weekend I sailed alone again. I left Rockland shortly before noon.
The day was a little threateningly cloudy and the wind was light SW. As
I crossed west Penobscot Bay and sailed to the north of North Haven
Island the sky cleared and the day turned beautiful. I was pleased to
find that the output of our new 20W solar panel was sufficient to run
the GPS, autopilot, and knotlog and to do a bit of battery charging as
well.
As I approached the clutter of little islands that all look kinda alike
(as little islands tend to do) toward the northeastern end of North
Haven the wind piped up enough so that I was sailing into the clutter
at almost 6 knots. The channel I chose between two of the islands
looked quite wide enough on the chart. Reality was rather different --
narrow, especially since, as always, one sails a drunkenly erratic
course dodging lobster pot bouys in Maine.
After this bit of anxiety I had a wonderful close-hauled run down east
Penobscot Bay to the eastern end of the Fox Island Thorofare. I turned
into the Thorofare and headed toward Carver Cove for the night. At the
mouth of this big cove I let the autopilot steer while getting the
Yankee jib, staysail, and mainsail down (no roller furling) and
sufficiently out of the way that I could anchor. The autopilot will
happy run right over lobster pot bouys so a dash or two to the cockpit
for a course change was necessary. No point in unnecessarily depending
on the Spurs line cutter.
By 1700 or so I was securely anchored with a 35 lb plow, 40' of chain,
and 100' of nylon rode in 25' of water -- sticky mud bottom, but that
was tomorrow's bother. By 1730 the clear day was quite foggy with less
than a mile of visibility. Most of the times I've anchored in Carver
Cove there have been only one or two other boats. This night there were
eight others, including two from the UK and one from Canada. One of the
UK boats was an elegant gray gaff cutter, maybe 30' LOD, with an Aries
windvane. Perhaps the couple on board sailed over.
The Sunday morning forecast was rain showers and 15 to 30 knot SW
winds. It was still rather foggy. I didn't feel too cheery about this
as I needed to be back in Rockland -- work on Monday and all that. When
I began weighing anchor at 0840 there was enough wind that I had to use
our manual windlass to get the rode and anchor up. (I suppose I could
have put the engine in gear at idle and hauled in the rode by hand,
but with another boat rather nearby I decided slower and more careful
was the better idea.) The anchor and chain came up quite covered with
mud. I cleaned it all off with the deck wash pump before bringing the
chain and anchor aboard. Once the anchor broke free, I just let the
boat drift downwind with the tiller to leeward. Even in a 10 knot wind
the drift was surprisingly slow -- a couple of hundred yards in the 15
or so minutes I spent tidying up.
By 0930 I was tacking into a 10 to 15 knot wind with main and staysail
toward the osprey nest on the daymark at Iron Point. The deep water
channel at the daymark is uncomfortably narrow, but having been past
many times before I wasn't terribly worried, just worried. I even found
a moment to enjoy looking at the ospreys. Once past the daymark the
wind went light and I was able to sail close hauled without tacking.
Sumurun, a truly magnificent wooden ketch maybe 75' long, was anchored
across from the town of North Haven. Absolutely gorgeous. I'm glad
someone is willing to spend what it takes to maintain such boats. Of
course, I had no film in my camera. Once past North Haven the ferry
keeps a wide lane free of lobster pot bouys, which is very nice.
As I got to the western end of the Thorofare the fog thickened again,
reducing visibility to under a half mile. Several other boats (some
motoring, some sailing) and I groped our way past the ledges and pot
bouys out into the bay. Fortunately the wind was light and I could
concentrate on avoiding the hazards. I was happy that I was somewhat
familiar with this area. Once out on the bay the wind was 18 to 20
knots and I had a very fast and enjoyable sail across the bay back to
Rockland. Rather to my surprise, there wasn't much of a chop in spite
of the wind blowing against the ebbing tide. In the past we've had
light winds leaving the Thorofare only to find as much as 50 knots in
the middle of the bay, so I was relieved that the winds weren't higher.
I wrestled the sails down inside the Rockland breakwater (still blowing
20 kts) while staying out of the way of the Vinalhaven ferry. Or maybe
the ferry stayed out of my way. Whichever, we didn't collide. At our
mooring the wind was gusting to 5 kts.
All in all, I enjoyed the weekend. But it would have been nicer if
Julie and Breeze, our Maine coon cat, had been along. Roller furling,
at least for the headstay, is something I'm more and more inclined to
splurge on. This weekend we going to the wedding of a cousin of Julie's
on Long Island. I'd rather go sailing in the fog.
Alan
|
| 2141.15 | Try for Cuttyhunk again? | CFSCTC::CLAFLIN | | Thu Aug 25 1994 14:47 | 23 |
| My replacement mizzen came yesterday. Amy decided I was truely sick
last night, since I have yet to open the box.
One of my projects for tonight is to open the box and inspect the sail.
I know that it has a small tear by the clew. I plan on patching that.
I then have this weekend to test it out and return it if I do not like
it. So I'm sailing this weekend.
Point of origin is Eeel Pond at Wood's Hole. Destination in probable
order, Cuttyhunk (might get there yet), Edgartown, Nantucket (not very
likely unless I sail Friday night).
Tentatively, Holiday II returns to her home port of
Manchester-by-the-Sea over Labor Day weekend. This will most likely
include a layover at P-town. I have some flexibility in this trip if
we want to make a flotilla of it.
If anyone cares, give a holler.
Doug Claflin
NEW dtn 227-3015
hm 508 635-0460
|
| 2141.16 | Good Sailing is Better Shared | DNEAST::POMERLEAU_BO | | Thu Aug 25 1994 17:56 | 29 |
| Thanks for sharing some of you experiences and feelings associated with
singlehanded sailing, Alan. I also do a little singlehanded at times
when Joan is not along. I took the day off last friday and got to the
boat on thursday night. I had a few jobs to keep me busy most of the
day on friday. By mid afternoon I just could not stand being in
Rockland any more. I went and got a few groceries, got on the boat and
took off by myself. The previous weekend had been lousy weather and we
didn't sail at all. I was having sailing withdrawls. I had a great sail
accross the Bay to the Fox Island thorofare. I made my way through
the thorofare bye North Haven and bye that beautiful Ketch you
mentioned. I rolled in the Jib, started the engine and set the autohelm
and took down the mail. I turned into Perry Creek and took a friends
mooring for the night. I went below had my premade sandwich for supper,
took a hot shower and read until 11:30, then hit the sack. It was a
great sail and a nice evening but I also find that I get lonely. But
anything was better than staying in Rockland for a second night.
Saturday morning I left Perry Creek at 7:00 and motored all the way
into Rockland, no wind, in time to meet Joan and my sister for a sail
back to North Haven and back again. The Sailing was great on saturday.
Alan, on your sail from Marblehead to Rockland, did you get any sleep
after you changed course toward Monheagan or did you stay awake for the
whole trip? What make Solar panel did you buy? Did mount it permanent or
do you just put it out when you are on the boat? Where on the boat did
you mount it?
Bob P
|
| 2141.17 | | UNIFIX::BERENS | Alan Berens | Thu Aug 25 1994 18:27 | 20 |
| re .16:
I will confess to not having stayed awake during the whole trip. I have
a very loud kitchen timer, and I used it to awaken me from short naps
(no more than 15 minutes). I felt reasonably comfortable about sleeping
during the day, but not at all comfortable about sleeping at night.
Nonetheless, I did sleep some at night out of necessity -- lack of will
power or old age or something. I probably was a bit groggy when the
dragger and I came too close. Short naps are not very restful, by the
way. Certainly less refreshing than a decent sleep of four hours which
is what I get when doublehanding. Were I to do much overnight
singlehanding I would serious consider a radar with a guard zone and a
loud alarm. We do have a radar detector, which does provide a little
additional security. Fear does much to keep one awake.
Coastal overnight singlehanded sailing is rather more risky than I'm
totally comfortable with. I tried to choose a course that stayed away
from the banks, but nonetheless I did see a number of draggers. No
yachts, though. One reason I did the passage during the week was the
hope of avoiding yacht traffic.
|
| 2141.18 | Radar Receivers? | MILKWY::WAGNER | Scott | Mon Aug 29 1994 13:17 | 21 |
|
I'm a real autopilot fan myself. Used it last night coming home
from Marblehead after the New England Champs- big warm wind right on
the schnozz, a little tired and short of time, so I powered the whole
thing. Lousy visibility right after dusk, almost had an unpleasant
meeting with Halftide Rock. Anyway, I've always made it a rule to set
up my decks for at least shorthanding. If I had to sit at anchor for
lack of crew, I'd consider another sport.
BTW, yesterday was probably the first time in years that a harness
made a lot of sense for that short hike to the bow!! Now all I need is
one of those snazzy, transatlantic looking dodgers and leecloths so my
glasses wouldn't look quite so crusty!
Alan, remember those radar receivers? All they did was beep if they
detected a radar in the vicinity. They were cheap, too. Seem to have
gone the way of RDF... I would have killed for something like that on a
quick hop from Sebasco to Seal Cove on a where's_my_bow_pulpit day
about a month ago.
Scott (containership magnet)
|
| 2141.19 | | UNIFIX::BERENS | Alan Berens | Mon Aug 29 1994 13:32 | 6 |
| re .18:
Remember the radar detectors? Sure do, I have one. Works moderately
well, too. I wasn't aware that they are no longer available. Too bad.
Alan
|
| 2141.20 | one week cruise coming up | CFSCTC::CLAFLIN | | Tue Aug 30 1994 14:14 | 31 |
| Labor Day weekend is upon us.
I am currently planning on spending the week after Labor Day sailing.
Although we have not figured out our sail plan yet, here is a tentative
itinerary.
Nantucket around Labor Day.
Perhaps Cuttyhunk with Edgartown thrown in.
Thursday and Friday are heading back to Manchester.
Saturday the Manchester Harbour Boat Club goes to Misery Island.
After that there will be a pause observed to do dirty laundry. Unless
something changes big time, I will come back just long enough to make
my farewells. Yup the contract well is running dry. If you know of
anyone with a need for a software type, send them my way. I have my
resume in ASCII form online.
I am looking forward to trying out my new mizzen. Actually it is used,
in "like new" condition. I lost a couple of square feet of area. This
is largely balanced off with the full battens.
If you are going to be sailing down there, get in contact with me.
Doug claflin
dtn 227 3015
hm 508 635-0460
you have the node address
|
| 2141.21 | Zoned for sure | CFSCTC::CLAFLIN | | Wed Sep 14 1994 15:39 | 129 |
| Well I am here for about one more week and then my contract funding
goes away. So unless one of you comes up with a job for me, this will
probably be my second to last entry (the last will be a farewell
message).
Our cruising trip was abreviated, but fun.
It started by a late afternoon sail to Vinyard Haven. Jessica
complained about her tummy a good 5 nanoseconds before she heaved on
herself and Amy. This was the first indication that our stomachs were
going to do gymnastics throughout the trip. We scarfed a private mooring
in the in the anchorage and shared it with three other boats. After
feeding the fish, Jessica was fine. I got to clean clothes and cockpit
while Amy made a quick meal.
The next morning I went in to fillup with fuel. The dockmaster was in
season over mode and quite relaxed. I found out where to get 7/8"
slides for my mizzen. I was able to trade the 5/8 slides for the
larger ones. Net cost of about $2.50. This delayed us until about
noon. Amy suggested that even though it was late, we give a run at
Nantucket. I have always wanted to sail to Nantucket, so this voice of
encouragement was welcome. The wind was around 20 knts with probably
2 to 3 foot seas. The west wind produced a run right into Nantucket.
Most of the trip was made with just the main. We pulled into Nantucket
at dusk. I hope to have a wonderful set of pictures with the sun
setting behind a friendship sloop undersail. There is a surprisingly
strong current emptying Nantucket Harbor. The mooring field is huge,
and about half full this time of year. There were a bunch of mega
boats. At least one was larger than the large ferries pulling into
Nantucket. My B30 would make a small tender.
Next morning I went over the side to scrape my keel. Wrong move. The
water was in the mid 50's. Otta there! We motored up to some empty
moorings in closer to shore with the idea of going ashore for a while.
The launch from Nantucket Mooring's chased us off and directed us to
the far end of the anchorage. Nantucket obviously didn't need us, so
we headed back. We cleared Nantucket Harbor at 8 am. Seas were the
predicted <2 ft, (more like 6 inches), and a SW 10 knt wind. Looked
like a nice trip home.
By 12 the wind had built up past the predicted high of 20 knts. Seas
looked 3-4 feet to me. We were hard on the wind, but holding our west
course. The boat did not like the seas and kept slamming into about
every 5th wave or so. Green water on the foredeck and occasional spray
in the cockpit. Holiday plodded windward at about 3.5 knts VMG. This
was going to be a long 9 hour day.
Jessica was happy below. Amy and I would take turns hoping for the lee
rail. I never made it. Jessica never had trouble below. Amy and I
needed the cockpit to stay stable. By 3 pm I had eaten about one box
of salteens. I was feeling tired, a little tense from the wind, spray,
and resulting cold, but basically OK.
We had fallen off to the north a little, and the wind was veering to
the west. There was no longer any hope of laying Woods Hole on our
current port tack. I feel off more to improve our speed. The knot
meter went to 4.5 and the south shore of the Cape rose into view. By
this time seas were a solid 4 ft. There were exactly 2 sail boats out,
one about a 50' ketch running to the east on jib and jigger, the second
was a 25' cat boat about a half mile from us. They appeared headed to
Eagartown. The only power boats out were commercial fishermen and the
ferries. Life was lonely.
A glance at the chart ( all I could handle) showed that there were
plenty of harbors to duck into if things got worse. While Holiday did
not like the work out, she hunkered down and did a good job. Falmouth
Heights came into view along with Nobsk light. Almost home at 4 pm.
We should be in before 5.
Amy put on her harness just west of Falmouth. She went forward to drop
the main. We aren't heros. Let's motor the last mile or two instead of
tacking out and back in. Besides weather is not getting any better.
So down comes the main. I leave just a hankercheif of jib out to help
steady the boat. We use the lee of the Cape to protect us from the
seas and much of the wind.
Not five minutes later there is a loud report up my mast. At my
request, Amy bounds up and onto the jack line. My forward starboard
shroud has parted. She brings it aboard. The propeller is safe, so
back in gear. Close up the jib to reduce windage. Damage is simply
the clevis pin poping out. Easy enough to fix in harbor, assuming
nothing else goes wrong.
I continue to power up towards Nobska light. For those who have not
been there, Nobska light has reb nuns around it, keeping small craft
off of the reefs. Running out to the south are underwater ledges. The
locals refer to this area as the Zone. Seeing wind surfers blasting
through the off shore beakers should tell you something. I decided to
stand off of Nobska about three times the distance that the nuns
showed. This was outside of visible breakers, and away from wind
surfers.
I told Amy things would be a little rough. I was anticipating
something like 4 foot seas and wind rolling Holiday a little. WRONG!
I was soon in 8-10 seas. Green water was coming over as far as my
mast. My prop is located halfway down my full keel. At least once my
bow was digging into the trough, while my prop was out of the water.
At the same time I was looking UP at the oncoming wave. Not a happy
camper. Somewhere between 15 minutes and a life time of heavy rudder
action to keep me head in, and I was out of it, by the south channel
marker. While windy and wet, the next mile or so was very straight
forward. We made the 5:30 bridge at Eel Pond. It took us three tries
before our approach to the mooring was good. The VHF was now report 20
knt winds with gusts over 25. Seas were 3-4 feet. I do not think we
saw 20 knts since 2 pm. Some day I will remeber to get a wind gauge. 6:30
rewarded us with a good dinner at the Black Duck (next to Captain Kidd).
Amy remarked how tired I looked. She thought the ride off of Nobska
was a little rough, but not too bad on Jessica and her. She was
surprised when I told her, I was tied in and scared for that eternity.
Saturday was taking stock of problems. The shroud was a quick trip up
the mast for Amy. I spent time patching a tear in the leach of the
jib. Then we raised the jib. The furler was not working right. Now
was a good time to figure out why. A few minutes later I was greated
with a shower of ball bearings as the head of the roller reefer parted.
Down came the jib. Up went Amy to retreive parts.
We are currently laying at mooring with a jury rigged inner forestay.
The roller reefer is half off. The replacement parts may be here in a
couple of days. We will put things back together and then head up for
Manchester around the 20th.
Holiday is a good boat. I am ever more indebted to Dick Ashenden for
selling her to me. I do not like winds much over 20 knts. 3-4 foot
seas are enough for me. Amy and I are becoming a much better twam with
the passage of time. I am usually at the helm, but we can both do all
jobs, from playing with Jessica to deck work. This is a real plus and
should be encouraged in all crews.
|
| 2141.22 | Hliday going north | 56945::CLAFLIN | | Tue Sep 20 1994 16:29 | 18 |
| I am still planning on moving Holiday II back to Manchester. A month
late is better than never.
At this time, I am waiting for pieces parts to put the roller reefer
back together. Hopefully I can do that on Saturday. Since my last day
is Friday, I have flexibility on when I travel north. I hope to do it
no later than the first weekend of October.
Two options on returning are, straight through ~30 hours, or over night
at Cohassett/Sictuate. I think the second is more interesting, but
time contraints on others may prevail.
If there are other boats interested in plugging along with use, speak
up.
Doug Claflin
508 635-0460
|
| 2141.23 | 3 weeks on and around Penobscot Bay | UNIFIX::FRENCH | Bill French 381-1859 | Wed Sep 21 1994 14:21 | 108 |
| It's becoming past due time to describe some of my adventures in
Penobscot Bay between Aug 15th and Labor day. The boat in question
is "Pegasus Too", 19-II Com-Pac Yacht. 2000# displacement with
2' shoal draft keel. Fairly heavy and stable for a 19' boat.
She normally lives on Lake Winnipesaukee (That blue blob in the center
of the map of N.H.) cept for vacations when I take her somewhere else.
On Monday Aug 15th, My 19 year old duaghter Sharon and I left Epsom
N.H. in a Ford F150 with the boat n tow. We went up the Maine Turnpike
almost to Augusta (to avoid the Bath mid-afternoon traffic) and then
turned south for Rockland. While passing through Gardiner, we e had a
flat tire on the truck, which we changed in the parking lot of
Laverdier's Drug Store (Is there a town in Maine without a
Laverdier's?). Fortunately, it was the truck and not the trailer, as
I had no spare - but knew where one was available back in N.H. if
necessary. With no further excitement, we arrived at the South
Cove ramp (on Mechanic St.) in Rockland, stepped the mast and got her
launched. There were a number of vehicles and trailers that appeared
to be long term parked in the lot by the ramp in very long parking
slots that were explicitly made for truck-trailer combos.
The city of Rockland has really done well in recent years in making
the pleasure boater feel welcome. As we were ready to launch, I hailed
a local (fisherman?) heading for his pickup, and inquired about the
security of leaving a truck and trailer for a night or two in the
parking lot. He said that once, two years ago, someone had a motor
stolen. That wes good enough for me.
We launched and picked up a mooring of a friend who was on a Rockland
to Newfoundland cruise in his Block Island 40' sloop.
On Tuesday a.m., after making coffee on the 1-burner butane stove, we
headed across West Penobscot Bay, through Fox Island Thorofare, where
we tied up at the Northhaven "Yacht" (it's called soemthing else)
Club and got ice and ice cream during the early afternoon.
After checking out Perry Creek (as a future anchorage), which had been
recommended by Alan Berens, we headed east across East Penobscot Bay.
We made Deet Island Thorofare and the town of Stonington
around suppertime and went a mile or two further into a cove
east of Camp Island abd West of Hell's Half Acre. We anchored just
north of the Coot's Island's. This was my first time spending
a night on my own anchor, but the 13 lb Danforth was well set into
the mud and winds were forecast to be calm. I ran the 6 volt table
lamp (without it's lampshade) up the flag halyard that I had rigged
in Rockland, and we settled in for canned ravioli (for Dad) and canned
tortelini (for Sharon) with bread, cheese and beverage. (I know,
canned food isn't much to brag about, but one has to start soemwhere.
After all, this was first overnight on other than a mooring).
After supper we explored one of the Coot's Islands and canoed around
both of them. There were 4 other boats anchored in this cove and
one (permanent?) on a mooring. We had a very quiet night, and were
still inthe same spot in the a.m. Dad was up with the sun and made
coffee. We then headed back for Rockland, being scheduled to meet up
with my wife and son at Lobster Buoy Campsite (which also has moorings)
in S. Thomaston.
We travelled east and south of Crotch Island, which is an active
granite quarry, and went around the north side of Northhaven I.
Had a bit or trouble keeping the 15' canoe in tow from swamping,
and finally pulled its bow up and onto our stern with a boat cuishon
as a friction pad. End of canoe problems. The wind was picking
up during the day, and by the time we pulled into Pulpit Harbor
around 1:15, it was blowing a fair breeze. With our success from the
night before, I chose to anchor, although we could have picked up
any of a number of moorings for an hour. Sharon made sandwiches
and by 2:00 we were underway back to Rockland. As the wind continued
to pick up, it was becoming rather wet in the cockpit, but the
old Tiller Master autopilot held in there just fine. It was quite hazy,
with maybe a mile-plus of visibility, do we dead-reckoned (and
cheated after a while with a LORAN waypoint) intil Owl's head came
into view. by 3:30 we were back on the mooring in Rockland.
I left the boat there until Saturday as the weather was a bit off.
On Friday night we had a note at the campground that the owners of the
mooring were back (on a HIOBS mooring) and Saturday a.m. had my wife
drop me off in Rockland. On a chance, I motored up to the main
mooring area int e center of town and lo and behold, in the millle
of the mooring field was "Toward Morning" with a dinghy tied astern and
the mail hatch open. I hailed her, and who should appear but our
sleepy eyed moderator, without his glasses, even.
We chattedf for a few and I headed doen to S. Thomaston. For thwe
following 2 weeks, my wife and I puttered around Muscle Ridge Channel
and Owl's head Bay. My wife is a fair weather (only) sailor. One day,
we sailed among the islands east of Muscle Ridge Channel, across the
channel into tenants Harbor and then home through the islands north
of tenant's Harbor. We did slide the keel over one rock east of
Hewitt's Island, but had no other close calls. We planned to stay till
Labor day, but pulled the boat out at the Campsite the day before, once
we heard the Labor Day forecast. I had no desire to pull out in a
storm, or trailer home in one on Labor Day with tens of thousands of
others.
All in all it was the best vacation ever. (The kids left the day after
we got to the campground) so my wife and I had a quiet 2+ weeks.
My only minor disappointment was not making it up through Eggemoggin
Reach, but what the heck, gotta leave something for next year.
Moral of the story - one doesn't need a huge boat to have a great time
in Maine. A bigger boat would certainly be nicer ('cept for the
time and money to keep it afloat), but with a fair weather spouse,
this is the present compromise. I could spend a very long time
on Penobscot Bay before I became bored. If I knew of a decent income
to be made up that way, I'd be moved in a flash. We are starting to
talk about retireig to that part of the world some day.
For anyone interested in mixing a camping / sailing experience
(or even power boating, I suppose) Lobster Buoy Campsite in South
Thomaston is a fine place todo it from.
Bill
|
| 2141.24 | Scituate/Cohasset | MILKWY::WAGNER | | Thu Sep 22 1994 12:37 | 16 |
|
re -2; Scituate/Cohasset:
Unless you KNOW where you're going to hook in Cohasset, call ahead.
Unlike Scituate, with good trainsient services and ability to lighten
your wallet, Cohasset has few moorings. Call the harbormaster or yacht
club.
If you choose Scituate, I'd suggest calling one of the clubs
(Scituate Harbor YC, Satuit Boat Club) as you won't be separately
charged for launch service. Cohasset Harbor has a couple of restaurants
but is very pretty and serene and only a handful of lobstermen.
Scituate is very big, many restaurants, movie theater, stores,
boatyard, etc etc. Also very easy in & out.
Scott.
|
| 2141.25 | travel north | 56945::CLAFLIN | | Thu Sep 22 1994 14:37 | 29 |
| Thanks for the information about the two harbors. I have never been to
either, that is part of their charm.
The halyard bearing just came in yesterday. Amy and I are thinking of
the following schedule. Hood Yacht Systems has changed owners and is
now located in N.H. I have no complaints about the service on a 20
year old system.
This Saturday, spend the first part of the day fixing the roller
reefer. Some time in the afternoon head up Buzzard's Bay. Probably
anchor in Red Hook Harbor. Phill, if you're there, we will look for
you.
Sunday morning, Amy and Jessica head home. Me and whatever crew I put
together will head north. The tide will flush us through the Canal.
Hopefully the crew will include Andy Stangel ( a coworker), and Sam
Dorman (Tanwy Loon). I have not asked either of them yet. There may
be one or tow others. Sunday night may be in Cohasset or Scituate. If
things are going well we might just go all the way to Manchester.
Still need to look at charts etc.
Since tomorrow is my last working man's day, I am going to let weather
drive the schedule.
Doug Claflin
508 635-0460
P.S. Someone buy my digny tonight, so I can remove the note tomorrow.
|
| 2141.26 | Scituate is best choice IMHO | MCS873::KALINOWSKI | | Thu Sep 22 1994 14:43 | 14 |
| Doug
I second Scituate. It is a 1st class harbor with great restrurants
and a super stop & shop market across the street from the town dock.
The showers/bath are well maintained.
There is just too many things to hit in Cohassett. Look at a chart.
It is a frig'n mine field.
From Scituate's nun, it's 000 all the way to Manchester. Can't get
any easier than that! Have a nice sail.
john
|
| 2141.27 | last cruise | 56945::CLAFLIN | | Fri Sep 23 1994 15:38 | 26 |
| This is my last day, about two hours to go.
Two events.
First, let's get togethger this fall. I suggest sometime in October.
I volunteer my house if we are watching the southern cross video, pot
luck, rug rats etc. I am 1.5 miles towards Boston on Rt 111, inside
495 (Boxborough Host is at the interesction of Rt. 111 and 495). Other
possibility is some evening at the Host for socializing.
I can be reached at 508 635-0460. I am also on CompuServe. I never
can remeber the stupid account number.
Second:
Holiday II gets pieces parts added this Sunday. I hope to spend Sunday
night at quisett Harbor. Monday up to Sictuate, and probley spend the
eveing there. Tuesday into Manchester. No promises about space, but
crew inquiries and other boats traveling with us are welcome. Contact
me by Saturday morning.
So long, and thanks for all the fish.
Doug
508 635 0460
|
| 2141.28 | End of the season sail | MUZICK::THOMPSON | Mike LMO2-1/M13 | Tue Oct 04 1994 20:16 | 196 |
|
Last weekend I took "Grace" (Cape Dory 25) from its summer home
at Merchant's Landing, Spruce Head Island, Maine
to it winter storage at Great Island Boatyard, Brunswick, Maine.
I enjoy sailing at this time of year as clear dry air and
plenty of wind are common. Fall colors and empty anchorages are
also an attraction.
Friday, 30-Sept. Forecast is sunny and some cloud with
NW wind 20-30 knots. I prepared storm job and double reefed main
at the dock.
1000 Leave dock under sail.
Leaving the dock was a fiasco as unwisely I did not lower the main,
expecting to push the bow out and motor off as usual.
I quite underestimated the force of the wind even on
my double reefed main. The boat moved rapidly astern and a dock
post got between the boom and my boat! A helper rushed up and
lifted the boom over the dock post, but did not have time to
lift the main sheet over the post...
The boat was now firmly attached to the dock by the
main sheet... Eventually, dock lines were re-attached and
the strain taken off the main sheet. I now understand better
the value of a spring-line.
1045 I sailed out of the Muscle Ridge Channel and headed
toward Burnt and Alan Isles. Down to R "MP" WHIS was a
wonderful ride at an average of 4.6 knots which is not bad
for a LOW 18'6" vessel.
1135 Off Mosquito Island, it became steadily more windy.
Close hauled and heading up into gusts.
A large butterfly attempted in the split second of passing,
to land on the boat but then seemed to give up and loose height
fluttering along close to the waves under suddenly
disappering on the surface. I also saw a Gannet, a bird of the
northern ocean.
I had a new Loran (actually used) which I could just reach with
one hand while the other remained on the tiller. It repeatedly
gave off irritating alarms telling me I was being offset to
the east which was pretty obvious anyhow.
Burnt Island gave some shelter, I then passing it I was
back in the storm. The wind was now from the west - exactly
the direction I needed to go! I had to decide what to do,
especially as a tug was bearing down on me pulling an oil barge.
The answer was to do what I had planned to do all along, to go
into the anchorage behind Alan I. This is much recommended in the
guidebook, but at the time I seemed a very short sail for a whole
day.
The anchorage between Alan I and Benner I is amazingly sheltered.
It is open to the SW visually and one can see the turbulent ocean
between the islands but ledges break up the swell except at the
highest point of the tide.
The anchorage is barely wide enough to swing a cat.
I attempted two anchors, but the second, a 'lunch hook'
did not set so I made do with one. Its a quandary, it is
safer to let out lots of scope but that brought my stern
very close to the rocks on the east side. Eventually I took the
chance that the wind would would not veer through 180 and
put down the anchor on the west side of the channel and with
plenty of scope had my bum scraping the east side.
In the summer it must be a zoo, but now "Grace" was the only visitor.
It was interesting to watch the island community coming and going.
They run an experiment in the raising of sheep.
Salmon steak, spinach, angel hair pasta and wine completed the day.
Saturday Oct 1st. Forecast W 20-30+ knots so I attempted an early
start. Disabled the alarms on my Loran - ah! what peace.
0800 Motored out into Muscongous bay. It is full of rocks so I did
not fancy tacking across it. I motored directly into the wind
and longed to have a dodger.
0920 At Eastern Egg Rock, raised a storm jib and double reefed main
and put the engine off.
1050 Passing to the east of Moser Ledge, sea seems wild to me.
I reflect with incomprehension how people cross oceans in small boats.
The waves are really only '2-4 feet high' which means a small
proportion of them are 6 feet high however they are quite close
together and all have whitecaps. At this point, The log reports:
1050 43 47.28 60 25.91 TACK
DINGY IS GONE! I AM TOWING A PAINTER AND SOME SCREWS.
NO SIGN OF IT. TOO ROUGH.
The next four hours were spent tacking passed Pemaquid Point.
Each tack was followed by the usual disappointment when I saw
how far my heading fell short of what I expected.
There was a west to east current which did not help.
1745 Moored in Boothbay Harbour. The trick is to steal a mooring
that no one else will want to use. Three seasons ago I used
to stop free of charge at particular mooring and amazingly
it was still there - festooned with seaweed but big enough
to moor a 40 footer. I put a line though the pendent to keep
this disgusting object away from my boat.
Boothbay Harbour had a dance band cruise with mega-decibels.
On the bridge could be seen two young women one with a huge
hat made entirely of long black feathers and the other with
brides' headdress. When the cruise returned it appeared that
only the band was braving the October chill, but no! as the
boat passed me I could see these two women and their partners
rocking and rolling on the table top on the upper deck.
Have *fun* at all costs.
I usually prefer to anchor next-door in Linekin Bay to avoid
this fun :-)
Sunday Oct 2nd. Forecast 5-15 knots variable later NW. Warmer.
0910 Leave Boothbay Harbour under sail with genoa and main.
There was a gentle wind from the NW which was ideal.
Some entries in the log:
1115 WIND DIED. TAKE OFF BOOTS & YELLOWS. EAT A PLUM.
A WHIFF OF SEA BREEZE (SW).
1155 W WIND BACK. PUT BACK ON YELLOWS AND BOOTS.
FORCED TO GO SOUTH OF SEGUIN I.
Seguin I was like a sunlight jewel in the clear air with
dark grey clouds behind it.
Cape Small is usually a real problem with the winds conspiring
to be always head-on no matter how you appraoch it. However
today I receive repeated lifts and end up sailing directly for
the channel between it an Fuller Rock.
Inland grey clouds audition for a Hollywood Biblical movie.
As I approach the Cape, they approach *me*. Only missing
is the Voice. As I around the Cape, a cloud looking like the
finger of the Almighty is seen.
Suddenly the genoa and main are thrashing. The boat is heeling to
port and then to starboard. I tack the genoa several times
then realize that this is NOT what is required of me.
I loosen the main sheet and go forward to get the genoa down.
This is a struggle, then I return and jiffy reef the main.
Cape Small has become a lee shore. A kindly motor cruiser comes
by to ask if I need help. Gratefully declined.
The next task is to tack to boat onto a course away from the shore.
My boat does not sail well without I jib and the first couple
of attempts to tack failed. The boat got into irons with everything
shaking and rattling. The solution was to get onto a run towards
the coast and when sufficient speed had been built up do a
"Hard-a-lee". The boat did then come about.
I set the main sheeted about halfway out and tied the tiller
with moderate weather helm, then went forward to untie the genoa
and put it down the hatch. As I did this I observed that Grace
was rushing forward in a dead straight course through the
newly formed waves which were already about one foot high.
In such a wind, every line has a self-knotting capability
that is amazing. Eventually the genoa was below deck and the
storm jib bag ready - the little line that ties the mouth
of the bag shut had been thrashing around in the wind and
tied itself into a little knot. The waves had already reached
two feet high and a lot of spray was coming over me.
There I was clinging to the pulpit, concentrating all my
attention on this tiny knot hoping my fingernails would not break.
With storm jib up and a single reef I began to tack into
Casco Bay. The clouds were orange and grey and of every shape
with beams of sunlight and patches of blue. The fall colors everywhere
on the islands. Nice to be back in familiar haunts.
The wind was NW which was exactly the way I had to go.
Eventually I took to motoring and reached Quahog bay at sundown.
This is one of the most lovely places to anchor. I took down the sails
and motored to a spot behind Snow Island.
Motoring slowly downwind I have the anchor on a cushion beside me,
then at the right moment drop it over the side. I watch the rode on the
foredeck passing through the bow until it is tight then I swing
the boat around and go into reverse. I once joked with a
friend from Holland that in England this is referred to as
Dutch Anchoring (but there is no truth at all in that).
Quahog Bay is in the summer frequented by 40 foot-plus cruisers
with people whose loudness of speech appears to be directly
proportional to the LOA of the boat.
Last Sunday I shared the bay and the night with one 23 foot
wooden sailboat. At 2am checking the anchor, I saw Orion with
the Dog Star reflecting a strip of light on the water.
Later, the moon rose just before dawn,
a thin cresent with the whole disk visible in earth-light.
Then the sun rose on the end of the season.
Mike
|
| 2141.29 | Cruising north - Holiday II returns to Manchester from Woods Hole | TINCUP::CLAFLIN | | Thu Nov 03 1994 17:49 | 111 |
| This trip happend a month ago. I am currently in Colorado without my log or
charts, so this is from a fading memory.
The last saturday in September saw Andy Stangel joining Amy and I as we
reassembled the blown out roller reefer. Amy went up the mast one last time.
The reefer works fine. Hood stood behind their 20 year old halyard swivel for a
very nominal fee. I think it roughly equaled their material costs. Prompt
service nice guys.
We were not ready to go until late afternoon. A quick glance at Eldridge
indicated that I would rather buck the current at the Hole now, rather than the
next morning. So Andy and I motored out ofEeel Pond and into the Hole. We were
through the Hole before the current became bad. We motored the mile or so over
to Quisett Harbor. We came into Quisett at twilight. Over one third to the
moorings were already empty for the season. We picked up one about halfway to
the head of the harbor. Amy and Jessica drove over and met us at the parking
lot for the Knob. We rowed in, and then drove to my cousins for dinner.
After dinner, Amy started the 100 mile drive home with a sleeping Jessica. My
cousin drove Andy and I back to Quisett. Andy and I rowed back out to Holiday
II for a quiet nights sleep softened by a light rain.
Sunday morning was gloomy, but visibility was pretty good. We could dimly see
across Buzzard's Bay. There was not even a brath of wind. So we motored to
Cleveland Light. The southern portion of the bay was shrouded in a light fog,
so we maintained a formal DR plot right from the start. It proved handy, but
hardly necessary.
At Cleveland Light we started to play connect the dots as we followed the
channel towards Cape Cod Canal. The wind started to tease us for the first of
many times that day. We wasted about 45 minutes running out the sails and
hoping they would fill. Even so, we entered the canal just as it was starting
its favorable easterly flow. The whole trip up the Bay and through the Canal
was without company.
We continued to play connect the dots as we primarily motored north through Cape
Cod Bay. We suffered some more delays as we beleived NOAA and the tantalize
zyphers which played across us. Even with such a leasurely rate of travel, we
passed only a couple of vessels.
Plymouth Harbour slid by our port in the afternoon. We breifly contemplated
pulling in for the evening and doing a little touristing. However, the day was
nice, and travel was relaxing, so onto Scituate.
We came upon Scituate just as the sun was preparing to go down. The VHF
confirmed that the Scituate Yacht Club would have a launch guide us to a
mooring from R8, so in we went.
The advocates for Scituate were justified. The entrance is a simple straight
shot in through the break walls. Even with the mild 1-2 ft seas, it was
disconcerting to see breakers on either side as you enter.
The launch took us to our mooring just and then towed our dingy into the town
dock, just as it was getting dark. The launch operator would not accept any
money from me since he has been treated well by the Manchester Harbor Boat Club.
This reciproprocity was a very pleasant surprise. A good dinner was followed by
another good night's sleep.
We were on our way by 7 am the next morning. Still no wind. NOAA and the local
wather reports say rain. We saw rain on land most of the day. From our vantage
point several miles off shore, there was pale sunlight.
Minot light, Boston skyline,Boston light, Boston Bouy, Salem Power plant hove
into view each in their own turn. The only boats for company were lobster
boats, a square rigger outbound under power, and a couple of frieghters waiting
for pilots.
As we were leaving the northen side of the precautionary zone, the weather
started to close in. We put the boat on auto pilot. I mainted a watch in the
rain, by sitting in the compainion way with only my head and shoulders exposed.
Andy carried on a conversation with me while sucking down coffee down below.
At G1 for Salem Channel, we had enough wind to run out sails. I opted for jib
and jigger in the freshening breeze, primarily because I alwyas wanted to try
it. Before long we had a 30 degree heel on and were hauling freight to the
Northwest. We eased the mizzen to help balance the helm some. Even so our port
tack up the channel was a screamer. The icing on the cake was the rain packed
it in.
We entered Manchester Harbor at twilight. The harbor was quiet as we picked up
our mooring. Just as dark settled down, Andy and I rowed over to the dingy dock
and headed home in the waiting car.
Things I learned from this trip:
Except for sails of less than say three hours, DR plots are handy. They
provide excellent time distance measures and a sense of progress.
Everything said about Scituate is true. The harbor is big, protected,
easy to get into, and good facilities.
Fill the fuel before starting on a trip. I took on more fuel than I
anticipated at Scituate. It would have been imprudent for me to leave
without topping off.
I have bad karma with NOAA. The wind did not fill in as predicated,
nor shift as predicated.
Auto pilot is wonderful. I will use it more in the future.
From Manchester, plan on a day sail to Scituate, then another to
complete the 80 mile sail to Woods Hole. It breaks up the trip and
makes it much more pleasant.
I like jib and jigger sailing. Holiday II moves along pretty well
(similar to about 1 1/2 reefs in the main without a mizzen). The helm
is easy to balance.
Sailing season is far too short.
Doug Claflin
|
| 2141.30 | A Differnt Type of Cruise | TINCUP::CLAFLIN | | Fri Nov 18 1994 15:54 | 99 |
| Amy and I decided to sneak a last sail in October. Holiday II was scheduled for
pulling in about a week. Indian summer was upon us, and we were not quite ready
for the end of the season.
Jessica was all against getting in the car when there were wonderful leaves to
play in at home. Her opinion changed when we told her that we were going to the
boat. She jumped in the car and impatiently waited for us to load up with
life jackets etc.
Manchester Harbor already had an almost forelorne look about it. Perhaps one
fourth of the boats were already out. The normal bustle of the summer was
gone. The sea birds were resting on the boats, and making a major mess.
We rowed out to Holiday II. We have now owned her for almost a year. She looks
even more beautiful to my eyes now than when I first saw her. In addition,
going out to Holiday II now simply feels right. I now share some of Dick's
deep contentment that comes as you approach a boat you love and trust.
Jessica launched herself from the dingy and onto Holiday. She chided her mother
for not opening the companionway fast enough. Jessica climbed below decks and
immediately shucked her life jacket.
There was the usual stowage of lunch, jackets etc. Since the wind was from the
mouth of the harbor, I made no effort to sail. The engine warmed up as I went
forward to drop the mooring. Holiday slowly drifted back as I returned to the
cockpit. I have learned that Holiday's mass means that I have time to do things
right, I just simply must think further ahead.
We motored to the outer harbor. The wind had piped up as we left the shelter of
the inner harbor. Rather than fight the wind, we left the main down and sailed
jib and jigger towards Marblehead. In truth, I trimmed the mizzen to balance
the helm. The jib was my main driving sail. About halfway there, the wind died
down. So up went the main. Fifteen minutes later we were overcanvased. Amy
had the helm. Rather than reeff tha main, we played a little with how the boat
would perform. Though Amy did not like it, she buried the less rail on the
gusts. I took lessons from her on how to spill the main. Overall, we both had
a learning filled and enjoyable half hour.
We came about and were pointed towards home. Neither of us was ready to pack it
in. Jessica had fallen asleep by this time, curled up in her sleeping bag and a
couple of toys on the cabin sole. We both decided to head out around the Misery
Islands. Since we are not very familar with the waters, out came the chart and
we kept it close at hand as we headed out Salem Channel. We slid on out on a
starbooard tack. Once clear of Little Misery, we jibed to the port tack and
came on in. Sauli Rk. and Whaleback were easy to spot on the falling tide.
It was still early, so on a whim we decided to go explore Great Misery. There
was only one power boat in the bight as we picked up a mooring. They left just
a few minutes later.
Jessica lead Amy and I on our exploring trip of the island. Foilage was at
about its peak. Even so, the grass was still a verdant green. The trees broke
the wind and the sun burned down through the clear autumn air. It really was a
"Kodak moment" for us for the next couple of hours. Jessica was the leader and
would coach Amy and I how to walk up her "big" rocks. I would hold her hands as
she jumped down from one foot high boulders. We did some beach combing on the
south side of Great Misery. With shells and sea glass bulgin from my pockets,
we continued around the western half of the island. The wide boulevardes (sic)
that I presume were the old golf course, gave way to tracks in the woods. We
followed the northwest coast.
Poor Jessica got tired, but she hung in there with my carrying her much of the
time. We returned to our high and dry dingy. Holiday patiently waited as we
rowed out to her.
Jessica immediately went below and to sleep. The wind had died to a wisper with
the setting of the sun. We decided to run with the wind into harbor. The
engine would have been much quicker, but it was too peaceful to break the spell
with the clammoring of an engine, even a quiet one. It took us almost and hour
under jib alone to do the mile to the mouth of the harbor.
The wind was dead astern as we sailed down the harbor channel. Abouth halfway
down the harbor is a little zig zag in the channel. The wind was a zephyer so
soft that I could easily old the jib by hand when it came from the wrong side.
We finished our sail with a glide up to our mooring. Twighlight was settling on
the blazing trees of autumn, across a glass smooth harbor. We packed a sleeping
Jessica into the dingy and rowed ashore, in the deepening shadows. The "Kodak
mement" lasted until I tied up at the dingy dock.
---------
This was a cruise of a differnt form. There really wasn't much in the line of
sailing, less than three hours out of a long day. Most of our time was spent
exploring Great Misery Island, and making discoveries of importance to a three
year old.
We didn't do anything big or momentous. We relaxed and had quality time in
one of those glorious falls days that New England can be blessed by. The feel
of this late season sail could have been duplicated at Pueblo Res. in Colorado,
where I came from and am once more. I know that this sail was done on numerous
lakes throughout New England, and will be done again next year and the year
after. However, it is a magic reserved to those who rag baggers.
May the memories of this year, and the thoughts of next year warm your hearts as
you fight off winter's chill by the fire.
Doug Claflin
dtn 592-4787
|
| 2141.31 | Thanks for your reports | DTRACY::FENNELLY | | Mon Nov 28 1994 10:54 | 7 |
| Doug, thank you for posting your cruise reports. I've enjoyed reading
all of them and especially the one about your last cruise of the season.
I think you captured some of the essence of cruising---learning about
oneself and one's boat, sometimes testing limits and sometimes just
giving in to the peace and beauty of it.
Kathy
|
| 2141.32 | Another Thank you. | USDEV::OLSALT::DARROW | We are gonna make it! | Mon Nov 28 1994 15:54 | 16 |
| Doung I enjoy your reports.
I have printed the last 2 and plan to get tham to Dick and Peggy Ashenden.
(For those who have not followed Doug and HOLIDAY II from the beginning,
Dick was the previous owner of one fine Bermuda 30)
I should be seeing them on the 8th at our Power Squadron 'holiday' Party.
Still hope to catch up with you on the water.
Fred WINDSONG
After thought,
The last Saturday in October I saw HOLIDAY II's sister ship (owned by a friend
of Dick's named Sam) motoring past Jubilee on her way to be hauled out.
|
| 2141.33 | I took Literary License | TINCUP::CLAFLIN | | Tue Nov 29 1994 17:35 | 35 |
| There are a couple of points which need clarifying.
1. Dick Ashenden still owns Holiday II for as long as he is interested.
I however own ALL of the bills. More than a fair trade, considering what
Amy and I have learned from Dick and Peggy Ashenden.
2. Holiday II's home will remain in Manchester Harbor, and her owners will
remain members of Manchester Harbor Boat Club for at LEAST AS LONG as Dick
is interested in her.
Plug for the boat club. They are really good folks. I wish I had met them
six years ago when I first moved out. As a member, I recommend them highly.
3. I confess. Since my log is in Mass. and I am now in Colorado, I combined a
couple of late season sails into one.
Fred, you did indeed see Sam Dorman's TAWNY LOON that weekend. I think it
was actually the following weekend that Sam helped bring Holiday II up
river. Yankee Marine has once more put the sister ships fore and aft of
each other, on the hard.
Another plug; Yankee Marine is good folks. Of course I have absolutely no
experience with any other boat yard any where.
4. With differnt demands on my time, than Dick has, Holiday II is likely to
make extended trips away from Manchester. Most likely time is July and
Aug. whne the water is nice and warm on the south side of the CAPE. Of
course a down east cruise with Tawny Loon is a possibility also.
5. It is my current intention to start a similar topic for 1995. Ski season is
here, and I have a season pass with fresh poder waiting for me this weekend.
Doug
dtn 592 4787
|